Hong Kong's Legislative Council Is in the final stages of considering internal security legislation mandated by Article 23 of the
territory's Basic Law. A final vote may occur as soon as early July.
The United States has concerns that Article 23 legislation, as
currently drafted, could harm local freedoms and autonomy over time.
Especially worrisome are provisions mandating the proscription of
certain kinds of popular organizations and the absence of a "public
interest" defense to protect freedom of expression and the press. The
United States urges Hong Kong's Legislative Council to adopt amendments
to correct these shortcomings.

Hong Kong's special status, endorsed by the United States under the
Hong Kong Policy Act, depends on the local authorities' protection of
human and civil rights and preservation of the territory's autonomy.
The United States opposes any law that threatens the territory's unique
identity, including the current version of Article 23 legislation.

The controversy surrounding the legislation underlines the
importance of Hong Kong's move toward full participatory democracy.
Like Article 23, universal suffrage is enshrined in the Basic Law, and
Hong Kong's leaders should now pursue it with equal industry.